https://odb.org/2025/10/01/out-from-the-dark
Isaiah 9:2–7 (NIV): 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
In the natural realm, it is hard to imagine what it is like to be in complete darkness even for a few hours. This is because for most modern homes nowadays, street lights and large windows will ensure that our homes are not in complete darkness even if we were to switch off every light source inside at night. But this was what happened to Harrison Odjegba Okene after his boat capsized, and he found an air pocket at the hull. He waited there in complete darkness for 3 days before he was rescued. It must have been the same experience for the Thai football team, who was stranded in a cave a few years back. I think for us, complete darkness will perhaps be in the middle of a forest on a moonless night, but if the trees are tall, the moon light may not reach the ground, and we will experience complete darkness.
In the spiritual realm, however, we were in complete darkness before we knew Christ. We had no idea of the path that Christ had prepared for us. The road to eternal life. Our reconciled relationship with God brought us back to fellowship with our Creator. A renewed purpose in life. Not only to achieve our own dreams but also the aspirations placed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Other faiths have different meanings for seeing the light, but in our faith, it means being an integral part of the Kingdom of God. The scales of our spiritual eyes have been lifted. We see the vast world and potential within the Kingdom of God, which will last for all eternity. It’s like there is a whole new world out there beyond the natural world that we see. A wealth of experiences awaiting us as we serve Him in His church with all our heart, soul, and mind!
Although we have 5 senses, our sight only “sees” things reflected by light. Thus, in darkness, which is the absence of light, we see nothing. We could still hear and feel things, but our eyes see nothing. It is as though we are blind.
Now, after seeing and experiencing “the light” in the spiritual realm, do we really want to withdraw back into “darkness” and reject all things God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and His Word? Surely, remaining in the light with a road map and a sanctified journey to everlasting life in all eternity is the wiser choice! We have a will and the freedom of choice. Choose wisely and not recklessly!
Ronnie's Thoughts 